The Roots | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/the-roots
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:35:31 GMT2018-03-19T13:35:31Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Man arrested after bomb threat shuts down SXSW concerthttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/19/austin-arrest-bomb-threat-sxsw-concert-south-southwest-festival-roots
<p>Concert by the Roots cancelled after threat, which comes amid spate of bomb attacks in Austin that have killed two people</p><p>A man has been arrested on suspicion of emailing a bomb threat to the Fair Market concert venue in Austin, Texas, during the South by Southwest festival, according to reports.</p><p>Trevor Weldon Ingram, 26, was charged with making a terroristic threat, an offence which carries a jail term of up to 10 years. Police were called to the venue on the afternoon of 17 March after the emailed threat was made, but found nothing suspicious.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/19/austin-arrest-bomb-threat-sxsw-concert-south-southwest-festival-roots">Continue reading...</a>MusicSXSWThe RootsHip-hopCultureFestivalsAustinUS newsMon, 19 Mar 2018 10:59:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/19/austin-arrest-bomb-threat-sxsw-concert-south-southwest-festival-rootsPhotograph: Jack Plunkett/APPhotograph: Jack Plunkett/APBen Beaumont-Thomas2018-03-19T10:59:15ZQuestlove of the Roots accused of pressuring Tonight Show into firing white employeeshttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/25/questlove-of-the-roots-sued-for-racial-discrimination
<p>The drummer has denied the ‘ridiculous’ allegations made by two former Tonight Show employees</p><p>Two former camera operators for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon are suing Questlove, AKA Ahmir Thompson, for racial discrimination. </p><p>Questlove is the drummer for the Roots, the NBC talkshow’s house band. Kurt Decker and Michael Ciminto have alleged that they received an “unsolicited racist and misogynist” text message from a stagehand during a taping of the show, which was reportedly also sent to Roots bassist Mark Kelley. Decker and Ciminto claim that they reported the message to NBC, and did not respond. They were suspended, and subsequently fired, <a href="https://theblast.com/questlove-sued-racial-discrimination/">the Blast reports</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/15/questlove-stopandfrisk-testimony">Questlove's stop-and-frisk testimony | Amy Goodman</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/oct/16/how-fallon-fell-why-is-the-late-night-host-floundering-in-trumps-america">How Fallon fell: why is the late-night host floundering in Trump's America?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/25/questlove-of-the-roots-sued-for-racial-discrimination">Continue reading...</a>MusicCultureThe RootsRace issuesJimmy FallonHip-hopPop and rockTelevision & radioUS televisionTelevisionNBCUS television industryMediaTelevision industryThu, 25 Jan 2018 11:13:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jan/25/questlove-of-the-roots-sued-for-racial-discriminationPhotograph: Craig Barritt/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Craig Barritt/Getty ImagesLaura Snapes2018-01-25T11:13:33ZReal-life roadies review Roadies: 'I felt like a nurse watching an hour of ER'https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jun/24/roadies-cameron-crowe-review-touring
<p>We asked some battle-hardened stagehands to watch Cameron Crowe’s new show and give us their verdict on load-in fashion, tour managers and groupies</p><p>Roadies is very Cameron Crowe, but pretty accurate. I was impressed by details such as a laundry bag, something crew members have on big tours. In the opening scene, the guy in bed with a girl [Bill, played by Luke Wilson] turns out to be the tour manager, but that’s the joke. The tour manager is the rock star. You have the most access to everything and you’re not beholden to security guards or fans. When I was first on the road as a child with my grandfather, who worked for Motown, the stars played golf but the crews partied. I suppose that Crowe’s series is ultimately about a lifestyle that nobody wants to give up. I could relate to the characters although I’ve never encountered a female production manager [Shelli, played by Carla Gugino]. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jun/24/roadies-cameron-crowe-review-touring">Continue reading...</a>US televisionCameron CroweMusicPop and rockCultureTelevisionTelevision & radioThe RootsFri, 24 Jun 2016 12:00:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jun/24/roadies-cameron-crowe-review-touringPhotograph: Neal Preston/ShowtimePhotograph: Neal Preston/ShowtimeInterviews by Dave Simpson2016-06-24T12:00:13ZMadonna answers critics of her Prince tribute at Billboard music awardshttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/24/madonna-slams-critics-prince-tribute-billboard-music-awards-questlove
<p>Tonight Show bandleader and Roots drummer Questlove defends singer’s performance, writing on Twitter that ‘the Purple Standard is hard boots to fill’</p><p>Madonna has come to her own defence after her much-criticised tribute to Prince at the Billboard music awards on 22 May. Anyone, regardless of “age, gender or skin colour” is entitled to celebrate the late musician, the singer wrote on Instagram.</p><p>Madonna performed Nothing Compares 2 U and a duet with Stevie Wonder of Purple Rain. Her interpretation of the late artist’s music was <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/princes-friend-tamron-hall-criticizes-madonnas-tribute-at-billboard-music-awards-w207570">met with disdain</a> in some circles. “Anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to,” <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFwMJoxmEfg/?taken-by=madonna&amp;hl=en">Madonna posted the following day on Instagram.</a> “If you loved him and he inspired you then show it!!!! I love Prince 4 ever.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/24/madonna-slams-critics-prince-tribute-billboard-music-awards-questlove">Continue reading...</a>MadonnaMusicCultureBillboard music awardsPrincePop and rockThe RootsTue, 24 May 2016 09:02:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/24/madonna-slams-critics-prince-tribute-billboard-music-awards-questlovePhotograph: JB Lacroix/WireImagePhotograph: JB Lacroix/WireImageGuardian music2016-05-24T09:02:04ZDavid Bowie tribute concert to be streamed livehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/29/david-bowie-tribute-concert-pixies-blondie-live-streamed-skype
<p>Show featuring Pixies, Blondie, Michael Stipe, J Mascis, the Flaming Lips and more will be streamed live for fans in return for a charity donation</p><p>The forthcoming <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/18/david-bowie-new-york-tribute-debbie-harry-pixies-mumford-and-sons-bette-midler">tribute shows to David Bowie</a> featuring performances from the Pixies, Blondie, Michael Stipe, J Mascis, the Flaming Lips and more will be streamed live for fans unable to attend the New York shows. </p><p>The first concert will take place at Carnegie Hall on 31 March, with a second date at Radio City Music Hall on 1 April. The latter concert will be available to watch online, organisers of The Music of David Bowie have confirmed. Those watching will be asked for a donation to one of <a href="http://musicofdavidbowie.com/">a selection of arts based charities</a> in return.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/22/david-bowie-lorde-future-of-music">David Bowie saw Lorde as 'the future of music'</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/29/david-bowie-tribute-concert-pixies-blondie-live-streamed-skype">Continue reading...</a>David BowieMusicCulturePixiesMichael StipeBlondieMumford & SonsRickie Lee JonesThe RootsAmanda PalmerAnna CalviThe Flaming LipsPop and rockTue, 29 Mar 2016 08:02:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/29/david-bowie-tribute-concert-pixies-blondie-live-streamed-skypePhotograph: Dylan Martinez/ReutersPhotograph: Dylan Martinez/ReutersGuardian music2016-03-29T08:02:57ZDavid Bowie tribute will star Debbie Harry, Pixies, Mumford & Sons and Bette Midlerhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/18/david-bowie-new-york-tribute-debbie-harry-pixies-mumford-and-sons-bette-midler
<p>The lineup for the two tribute shows in New York on 31 March and 1 April also includes the Roots, Cat Power, Laurie Anderson, Michael Stipe and Robyn Hitchcock </p><p>As the dust settles on <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/16/lady-gaga-david-bowie-tribute-grammy-awards">Lady Gaga’s divisive Grammy’s tribute</a>, a long and varied list of performers have been booked to celebrate the career of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/11/david-bowie-dies-at-the-age-of-69">David Bowie</a> at the late musician’s memorial concerts in New York. As well as the likes of Debbie Harry, REM’s Michael Stipe and the Pixies, folk group Mumford &amp; Sons are reported to be on the bill.</p><p>The event at Carnegie Hall will take place on 31 March, with a second date at Radio City Music Hall taking place on 1 April.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/16/lady-gaga-david-bowie-tribute-grammy-awards">Lady Gaga's David Bowie tribute didn't do either artist justice</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/18/david-bowie-new-york-tribute-debbie-harry-pixies-mumford-and-sons-bette-midler">Continue reading...</a>David BowieMusicCultureDebbie HarryMumford & SonsPixiesLaurie AndersonCat PowerThe RootsCyndi LauperMichael StipeBette MidlerThu, 18 Feb 2016 09:07:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/feb/18/david-bowie-new-york-tribute-debbie-harry-pixies-mumford-and-sons-bette-midlerPhotograph: Myung Jung Kim/PAPhotograph: Myung Jung Kim/PAGuardian music2016-02-18T09:07:19ZElvis Costello: 10 of the besthttps://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/jan/27/elvis-costello-10-of-the-best
<p>He emerged in 1977 as the archetype of the angry young man, but it didn’t take Elvis Costello long to realise he needed to slow down and try something different<br></p><p>That Declan MacManus had been renamed Elvis Costello in the year that Elvis Presley died was merely a stroke of luck. When news filtered through that the King had died, a period of anxiety gripped the offices of the normally publicity savvy Stiff Records, though they needn’t have worried; the seemingly disrespectful timing only added to the withering persona of the new upstart and agitator they were looking to promote. Whether apocryphal or not, the tale that NME were planning on running an Elvis vs Elvis: which one is a Stiff artist? editorial before good taste prevailed makes a good story. MacManus had spent considerable time honing his act with weekly shows at the Half Moon pub in Putney for 50p and a plate of sandwiches in the mid-70s, so by the time Stiff picked him up, he was able to emerge more or less fully formed into the public’s consciousness, a man as erudite as he was angry. His first single, Less Than Zero, was fittingly vituperative, spitting venom at the British fascist leader Oswald Mosley, accusing him of engaging in incest to boot (“the song was more of a slandering fantasy than a reasoned argument,” said the author). Mosley had apparently been the subject of a then recent TV documentary in which he reminisced misty-eyed about the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/19/oswald-mosley-blackshirts-uniform-1935">Blackshirts</a>. Whether American novelist Bret Easton Ellis had a grip on 1930s British politics or not, he named his first book after the song, and also <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/jun/26/imperial-bedrooms-bret-easton-ellis">his last novel to date</a> – the sequel – pluralising Costello’s Imperial Bedroom. Less Than Zero the single is madly catchy and slightly unhinged, and simplistic enough that it fitted in with the burgeoning DIY punk movement; more musically accomplished offerings, like the 1940s-inspired <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJwALX5riiU">Wave a White Flag</a>, were quietly forgotten about.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/jan/27/elvis-costello-10-of-the-best">Continue reading...</a>Elvis CostelloMusicPop and rockCulturePaul McCartneyRobert WyattThe RootsWed, 27 Jan 2016 12:45:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/jan/27/elvis-costello-10-of-the-bestPhotograph: Tim Hall/RedfernsPhotograph: Tim Hall/RedfernsJeremy Allen2016-01-27T12:45:08ZJohn Kasich thinks the Roots are 'offensive' – what about these rap songs?https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/30/john-kasich-the-roots-hip-hop-rap-playlist
<p>The Republican presidential candidate once threw a Roots CD out his car window, so we created a hip-hop playlist even he could get behind</p><p>Ohio governor John Kasich’s taste (or lack thereof) in culture became news this week after the Cinncinati Enquirer dug up an excerpt from his 2006 book <a href="http://www.ontheissues.org/Stand_For_Something.htm">Stand for Something: the Battle for America’s Soul</a>. In it, the Republican candidate outlined his dislike for certain cultural offerings. The Coen brothers’ 1996 film Fargo was a bit rich for his blood, with the ending – which features an incident involving Steve Buscemi’s character and a wood chipper – not sitting well with the man once described as “<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/09/29/the-5-most-important-quotes-from-the-new-yorkers-rand-paul-profile/">a wonky guy with a sort of off-beat appeal</a>”. In fact, he was so offended that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/john-kasich-fargo-blockbuster-2015-7">he called Blockbuster to demand that they remove the film from the shelves</a>. </p><p>Kasich was also not at all impressed with the Roots, hitherto regarded as one of hip-hop’s more mild-mannered groups. Kasich bought an album by the Philadelphians (<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/culture/2015/07/25/3684459/john-kasich-the-roots-trash-garbage-book/">Think Progress reckons</a> it’s most likely 2004’s <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2004/jul/11/7">The Tipping Point</a>) while working at Lehman Brothers, where he was a senior executive, but it wasn’t really his cup of tea. The <a href="http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/07/28/john-kasich-vs-pop-culture/30802993/">Cincinnati Enquirer</a> recalled the moment it all got a bit much for him:</p><p>He found the lyrics so vulgar he said he pulled over to the side of the road and tossed the CD out of the car. No need for what he considered “offensive drivel,” he wrote.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/30/john-kasich-the-roots-hip-hop-rap-playlist">Continue reading...</a>Hip-hopThe RootsRepublicansMusicPoliticsCultureFargoFilmThu, 30 Jul 2015 16:23:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/30/john-kasich-the-roots-hip-hop-rap-playlistPhotograph: Max Ortiz/APPhotograph: Max Ortiz/APLanre Bakare2015-07-30T16:23:52ZThe Roots review – a hip-hop group like no other keep their freak-flag flyinghttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/12/the-roots-review-hip-hop-brixton-academy
<p><strong>Brixton Academy, London<br></strong>Cosmic jazz-funk, blizzards of electro-terrorism – the frantic Philadelphians shock and awe in this sprawling show</p><p>A few years ago, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/the-roots">the Roots</a> were musing over how to make their music-industry career pay. With sales of their critically lauded albums solid but rarely spectacular, the veteran Philadelphia hip-hop group appeared to have little option but to tour non-stop to make ends meet.</p><p>They resolved this situation in a most ingenious manner by becoming the house band on <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/jimmy-fallon">Jimmy Fallon</a>’s late-night NBC chat show. This unlikely arrangement has not been without controversy: when Fallon interviewed a leading Republican congresswoman, the Roots welcomed her to the stage with a blast of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3iyADAmd8Q">Fishbone’s Lyin’ Ass Bitch</a>. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/12/the-roots-review-hip-hop-brixton-academy">Continue reading...</a>The RootsPop and rockCultureMusicHip-hopSun, 12 Jul 2015 13:52:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/12/the-roots-review-hip-hop-brixton-academyPhotograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImagePhotograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImageIan Gittins2015-07-12T13:52:25ZReaders recommend: minimalist songs – resultshttps://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jul/09/readers-recommend-minimalist-songs-results
<p>The Roots to James Brown, AC/DC to Sigur Rós, RR regular nilpferd strips back a mass of magical minimalism into a pared down playlist from <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jul/02/readers-recommend-minimalist-songs">last week’s topic</a> <br></p><p>Last week the mercury level was as high as the quality of the suggestions on RR. Isolated in my stone garret, I’ve spent my time polishing the playlist down to a molecule-thick wafer of sound. Here it is.</p><p>We’ll tune up with <strong>Karlheinz Stockhausen</strong>. <strong>Model 11</strong> is part of his Stimmung<em> </em>and contains “overtone” singing, which links back to ancient practices. But the inspiration for the piece was apparently provided by the composer’s sleeping son, humming as he dozed. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jul/09/readers-recommend-minimalist-songs-results">Continue reading...</a>MusicPop and rockThe RootsAC/DCHip-hopElectronic musicJames BrownDance musicSigur RosKarlheinz StockhausenCultureSoulWorld musicFlamencoThu, 09 Jul 2015 11:00:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/jul/09/readers-recommend-minimalist-songs-resultsPhotograph: Caitlin Mogridge/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Caitlin Mogridge/Getty ImagesNilpferd2015-07-09T11:00:06ZCan bandleaders breathe new life into late-night TV?https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/24/late-night-tv-bandleaders-the-roots-reggie-watts-fred-armisen
<p>Jimmy Fallon has The Roots, Seth Meyers has Fred Armisen and James Corden has just appointed Reggie Watts as his bandleader. But why does getting the right in-house band matter so much? Britt Julious explains</p><p>Late-night talkshows don’t matter, at least not how they did in the past. Television viewing culture in 2014 is radically different than it was even five years ago. Late-night shows skew to older audiences. Young people are not only less likely to watch late-night shows, they are less likely to watch regular TV in general. A recent assessment of the current late-night wars <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2014/02/late-night-wars-jimmy-fallon-jimmy-kimmel-survival.html">detailed the declining numbers</a>, with Adult Swim (Cartoon Network’s late-night alter-ego) now TV’s top late-night network among adults under 50. In order to survive and thrive, network late-night shows must make progressive, albeit subtle changes to attract the younger audiences who have left them. </p><p>Jimmy Fallon started the trend. His version of Late Night was a new hybrid form of television, combining the old structure of stand-up and interviews with digestible, viral-ready content. Part of this latter approach applies to the music he booked (rising electro-pop stars, indie rock bands, weird outré rappers) and the in-house band – The Roots, a jazzy, innovative hip-hop band – itself. Music became a staple of his new show. The Roots not only played intro and outro music for guests, they also inserted themselves into the show’s music-based sketches. “Slow Jam the News” with Brian Williams turned news stories into early-’90s, R&amp;B boy-band jams and became an instant hit. Major musical players such as Lorde and Kendrick Lamar made their television debuts on Late Night, and – it should be noted – bookings are made in tandem with Fallon, staff music booker Jonathan Cohen and Questlove, the bandleader of The Roots. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/24/late-night-tv-bandleaders-the-roots-reggie-watts-fred-armisen">Continue reading...</a>MusicDavid LettermanJimmy FallonJames CordenThe RootsCultureTelevisionTelevision & radioTelevision industryNBCUS television industryTalk showsWed, 24 Dec 2014 13:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/24/late-night-tv-bandleaders-the-roots-reggie-watts-fred-armisenPhotograph: Getty ImagesPhotograph: Getty ImagesBritt Julious2014-12-24T13:00:08ZFrom Kingston’s car parks to VH-1, soundsystem culture puts bass in your facehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/02/-sp-from-kingstons-car-parks-to-vh-1-soundsystem-culture-puts-bass-in-your-face
<p>With Jamaican politicians using its impromptu parties to attract tourists, and Red Bull adopting the format to sell energy drinks, MCs, dubplates and dancehall are taking over the mainstream</p><p>Every week, across Jamaica, car parks and streets are transformed. The cars take second place to vast stacks of speakers, and the asphalt becomes the dancefloor for vibrant community discos, with selectors playing specially recorded dubplate versions of popular songs while an MC provides running commentary. These dances have been happening since the 1950s, but in 2014, soundsystem culture is having a truly international moment, and Jamaica is experiencing a soundsystem renaissance of its own.</p><p>This summer, <a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/soundclash/">SoundClash debuted on the US music network VH1</a>. Produced by <a href="http://www.questlove.com/">Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson</a> of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/the-roots">the Roots</a>, the format brought together three artists who would perform with new versions of pre-existing songs and attempt on-the-spot collaborations. The music might not have been anything to do with reggae – Ed Sheeran, Sia and Grouplove one week; Fall Out Boy, TI and London Grammar another – but Questlove’s idea of artists, “placed in a position where they have to re-approach their performance and song in a different way” was inspired by the versioning and reinventing that’s always been a part of soundsystem competitions.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/02/-sp-from-kingstons-car-parks-to-vh-1-soundsystem-culture-puts-bass-in-your-face">Continue reading...</a>ReggaeMusicCultureThe RootsThu, 02 Oct 2014 17:00:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/02/-sp-from-kingstons-car-parks-to-vh-1-soundsystem-culture-puts-bass-in-your-facePhotograph: AlamyA typical location for a Kingston stret paty.Photograph: AlamyA typical location for a Kingston stret paty.Erin MacLeod2014-10-02T17:00:05ZThis week's best music links: hip-hop cats, Olympic Pitbull and Céline Dionhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/jun/13/this-weeks-best-music-links-celine-dion-the-roots-hip-hop-cats-and-olympic-pitbulls
<p>From Lana Del Rey feeling sad and a man in Las Vegas feeling lonely, to the jubilation of the World Cup opening ceremony and some cats with rhythm <br></p><p>• <a href="http://guardianmusic.tumblr.com/">Find more on the Guardian Music Tumblr</a></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/03/sinead-oconnor-new-album-sheryl-sandberg-ban-bossy-campaign">Over at the </a><a href="http://guardianmusic.tumblr.com/">Guardian Music Tumblr</a> we're working hard (aka surfing the web) to bring you all the best in new tracks, album streams, videos, gifs and music news. Here is a round up of the best things we've stumbled upon this week. Leave tips and comments in the thread below, and tell us what you've enjoyed this week. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/jun/13/this-weeks-best-music-links-celine-dion-the-roots-hip-hop-cats-and-olympic-pitbulls">Continue reading...</a>MusicLana Del ReyInternetLily AllenJennifer LopezThe RootsHip-hopIndiePop and rockCatsFri, 13 Jun 2014 17:07:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/jun/13/this-weeks-best-music-links-celine-dion-the-roots-hip-hop-cats-and-olympic-pitbullsPhotograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/REXPitbull at the World Cup 2014 Opening Ceremony. Photograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/REXPhotograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/REXPitbull at the World Cup 2014 Opening Ceremony. Photograph: Kieran McManus/BPI/REXHannah Jane Parkinson2014-06-13T17:07:58ZWhy the one album you should listen to this week is ... and then you shoot your cousin by the Roots – videohttps://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2014/may/23/one-album-you-should-listen-to-this-week-the-roots-video
The 11th album from the Roots defies you to categorise them as the hip-hop equivalent of wholefood, says Alexis Petridis. … and then you shoot your cousin is an album about poverty, but there's nothing dull-but-worthy about its musicial concision and lyrical dexterity. Give it a go. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2014/may/23/one-album-you-should-listen-to-this-week-the-roots-video">Continue reading...</a>The RootsMusicCultureHip-hopRapFri, 23 May 2014 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/video/2014/may/23/one-album-you-should-listen-to-this-week-the-roots-videoPhotograph: PRAlbum cover of ...and then you shoot your cousin by The RootsPhotograph: PRAlbum cover of ...and then you shoot your cousin by The RootsPresented by Alexis Petridis2014-05-23T05:00:00ZThe Roots: … And Then You Shoot Your Cousin review – jazzy hip-hoppers on top of their gamehttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/22/the-roots-and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-review
(Virgin/EMI)<p>Few bands can segue from a gig as a chat&nbsp;show's house band to dark, prog-inspired releases, but on And Then You Shoot Your Cousin, the Roots serve up a concept album of tortured stories from a collection of downtrodden and conflicted characters (the group's <a href="http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/02/the-roots-new-project-will-be-another-concept-album" title="">lead MC, Black Thought, has said</a> the album is a satirical take on stereotypes of the "hood", and those who persevere amid numerous roadblocks to success). Whether sampling rumbling male voices on a version of Mary Lou Williams's The Devil, or leaning on the emotive power of descending minor piano chords on the single <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQGgnzIYHYA" title="">When the People Cheer</a>, the Roots have total command of their&nbsp;combination of jazz-influenced hip-hop and social awareness. Black Rock and Understand explore narcotics-ridden, hard-knock life tales, contrasting sharply with the unexpected optimism that seeps&nbsp;into the closing track, Tomorrow.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/22/the-roots-and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-review">Continue reading...</a>The RootsHip-hopRapPop and rockMusicCultureThu, 22 May 2014 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/22/the-roots-and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-reviewPhotograph: PRIn total command of their sound … the RootsPhotograph: PRIn total command of their sound … the RootsTshepo Mokoena2014-05-22T21:00:00ZD'Angelo: 'I never claimed to do neo soul. I said I do black music'https://www.theguardian.com/culture/musicblog/2014/may/22/dangelo-questlove-brooklyn-lecture-soul-black-music
<p>The R&amp;B singer met with Questlove in Brooklyn to talk drum machines, 'the iPod generation' and his wide taste in music</p><p>Fans of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/feb/02/dangelo-back-neo-soul-tour">the R&amp;B icon D'Angelo</a> gathered at the Brooklyn Museum in New York on Wednesday to hear the star participate in what was billed as a two-hour "lecture" – an extensive interview conducted by the writer Nelson George as part of the Red Bull Music Academy series. The singer, who took sneaky drags from cigarettes throughout the talk, appeared to be on good form, singing along to clips from his biggest hits, and was seemingly overwhelmed by the number of friends and collaborators in the crowd. Here are the highlights:<br></p><p>Sonically, it got a little homogenised. Not clean, but … buttery.”</p><p>This is a different generation. You might call it the iPod generation, if you will … I think there's less separation of genres. They don't give a fuck if it's called this or that. If it's good, it's good.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/musicblog/2014/may/22/dangelo-questlove-brooklyn-lecture-soul-black-music">Continue reading...</a>CultureMusicR&BUS newsSly StoneThe RootsThu, 22 May 2014 15:37:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/musicblog/2014/may/22/dangelo-questlove-brooklyn-lecture-soul-black-musicPhotograph: Drew Gurian/Red Bull Content PoolD'Angelo talks to host Nelson George. Photograph: /Drew Gurian/Red Bull Content PoolPhotograph: Drew Gurian/Red Bull Content PoolD'Angelo talks to host Nelson George. Photograph: /Drew Gurian/Red Bull Content PoolRebecca Nicholson in New York2014-05-22T15:37:56ZFive albums to try this weekhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/19/five-albums-this-week-kate-tempest-conor-oberst
<p> From Kate Tempest's poetic hip-hop to Conor Oberst’s latest poppy Americana offering, here are five new albums to consider <br></p><p><b>Why you should listen</b>: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/05/fatima-al-qadiri-interview-kuwait-invasion-saddam">Al Qadiri</a>, raised in the crossfire of Iraq’s 90s Kuwaiti occupation, saturates this “sino-grime” electronica album in references to orientalism, angular soundscapes and fantasy notions of past and present China. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/19/five-albums-this-week-kate-tempest-conor-oberst">Continue reading...</a>MusicCulturePop and rockBright EyesThe RootsHip-hopRapJazzMon, 19 May 2014 09:29:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/19/five-albums-this-week-kate-tempest-conor-oberstPhotograph: Karen RobinsonSpoken word artist Kate Tempest officially goes solo this week. Photograph: Karen RobinsonPhotograph: Karen RobinsonSpoken word artist Kate Tempest officially goes solo this week. Photograph: Karen RobinsonTshepo Mokoena2014-05-19T09:29:30Z… And Then You Shoot Your Cousin review – the Roots grow ever more challenging, and ever more brillianthttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/18/and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-review-the-roots
(Virgin EMI)<p>When US talk-show host Jimmy Fallon took over <em>The</em> <em>Tonight Show</em> in February, he brought <a href="http://vimeo.com/40348580" title="">his house band of five years</a> with him. Their TV gig secure, veteran hip-hop crew the Roots grow steadily more challenging – and interesting – on record. Not everything here sounds like Dies Irae, a blast of radio interference, squelching and screaming at the album's midpoint, which references the end of days. But there is a distinctly apocalyptic feel to this mosaic of hard-knock tales from urban America – "No idea how much time's left, fuck trying to cherish it," a street-hardened voice spits, chillingly, on The Dark. Bracing, brilliant.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/18/and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-review-the-roots">Continue reading...</a>The RootsHip-hopRapMusicCultureSat, 17 May 2014 23:05:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/18/and-then-you-shoot-your-cousin-review-the-rootsKillian Fox2014-05-17T23:05:03ZLate registration as US universities finally embrace the study of raphttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/12/hip-hop-rap-universities-study-institute
<p>Producer and professor 9th Wonder will launch his Hip-Hop Institute at North Carolina Central University this year, continuing the trail blazed by Questlove and Swizz Beatz<br></p><p>Hip-hop has long been used as a vehicle for education – check out the countless children’s videos that teach fundamentals like spelling and math through rap. But ask any serious hip-hop head and they will attest to the fact that dissecting the culture – understanding something that bloomed from concrete and found its way into pop culture and beyond – is a science. The mainstream may not regard rap as particularly scholarly, but that could set to change with the advent of 9th Wonder's Hip-Hop Institute, a new interdisciplinary program based in the history department of North Carolina Central University, <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com/news/localnews/x27233577/9th-Wonder-class-to-launch-Hip-Hop-Institute-at-NCCU">which he will launch this fall</a>.</p><p>9th Wonder, born Patrick Douthit, became a “professor” at the college when he was named Artist in Residence in 2006. Prior to that, Douthit was an assistant professor at NCCU for a Hip-Hop 101 course taught by Play of the legendary rap duo Kid-N-Play. But the idea of teaching was not new to him.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/12/hip-hop-rap-universities-study-institute">Continue reading...</a>MusicCultureRapHip-hopEducationUS educationThe RootsHarvard UniversityMon, 12 May 2014 18:20:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/12/hip-hop-rap-universities-study-institutePhotograph: Coup d'Oreille/flickr9th Wonder at So Miles Party, Djoon, Paris. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coupdoreille/14151831992/">Photograph: Coup d'Oreille/flickr</a>Photograph: Coup d'Oreille/flickr9th Wonder at So Miles Party, Djoon, Paris. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/coupdoreille/14151831992/">Photograph: Coup d'Oreille/flickr</a>Kathy Iandoli in New York2014-05-12T18:20:46ZMusic Weekly podcast: Pete Paphides' Parallel History of Pop and Ed Sheeran's sexy new directionhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/audio/2014/apr/14/music-weekly-pete-paphides-ed-sheeran
Pete Paphides goes back in time to ponder David Bowie's gnomic beginnings and bad outfits from the Beatles. Plus the Roots, Ed Sheeran and Boots in Singles Club<p><strong>Lanre Bakare</strong> joins the regulars this week, and there is talk of a mystery Michael Jackson track and a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/08/saul-williams-tupac-shakur-musical-holler-if-ya-hear-me">Tupac musical</a> in the news.</p><p>In Singles Club we have tracks from the <a href="http://soundcloud.com/defjam/the-roots-when-the-people">Roots</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scHS8YaYoRA">Ed Sheeran</a> and <a href="http://soundcloud.com/bootsonboots/boots-my-heart-is-a-stone-1">Boots</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/audio/2014/apr/14/music-weekly-pete-paphides-ed-sheeran">Continue reading...</a>CultureMusicPop and rockHip-hopThe RootsMichael JacksonEd SheeranMon, 14 Apr 2014 09:20:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/music/audio/2014/apr/14/music-weekly-pete-paphides-ed-sheeranPhotograph: Yui Mok/PAEd Sheeran Photograph: Yui Mok/PAPhotograph: Yui Mok/PAEd Sheeran Photograph: Yui Mok/PAPresented by Alexis Petridis and Kieran Yates2014-04-14T09:20:21Z